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SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING
LATEST UPDATE: NOVEMBER 15th
HOW DO WE DECIDE OUR OVERALL RATINGS FOR PRODUCTS WE REVIEW?
Shimano MW7 (MW702) Gore Tex MTB Shoes
958g Size 44 (as tested) £220
The Shimano MW702 Gore Tex MTB Shoes are a versatile choice aimed at mountain bike audiences for those times when the weather’s turned chilly, wet and generally bandit. Waterproofing, ease of adjustment and sole stiffness are the main draws over their lowlier MW501 stablemates, although this comes with a significant price hike. For me, the improvements are worth the added outlay and they’re also very competent choices for winter road duties, especially if you can’t get along with overshoes.
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Pros: Boa closure, efficient but walkable sole, high degree of weatherproofing, decent breathability, grippy sole & optional spikes.
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Cons: Price, not completely waterproof, take a while to dry when soaked.
Specification
The low maintenance synthetic leather upper features a generous wrap around cover to seal the elements out. These feature perforations to encourage wicking and drying, a neoprene gaiter (cuff) is designed to keep the ankles warm and generally protected from spray, stones and other stuff that gets flung up along wet trails and wintry roads. Continuing the sandwich, we have a fleece and the Gore Tex Waterproof Membrane, which is designed to lock the elements out and keep welcome heat, without bulk. BOA L6 closures complete this belt n’ braces narrative, enabling extremely rapid, precise fitting/adjustment. Rotate clockwise to tighten and to release, pull the dial outwards.
The heel area is covered in Scotchlite for night-time presence, even at a moderate cadence. As for the sole, this is a relatively aggressive (but not unduly so) pattern, designed with cross country mountain biking in mind.
I’m told it’s made from Shimano’s ULTREAD compound, which promises “ultimate grip and durability”. This is 7 out of a possible 12 on their sole stiffness chart. One below their RX6, which remain my defaults for everyday riding. These are drilled for twin bolt cleats, SPD, Time and Crank Brothers being the obvious alternatives. Interestingly, they’re 79g heavier than the MW5 and 51g lighter than the FLR Defender.
Sizing/Fit 4/5
Shimano’s sizing chart is very precise, providing I’ve gone one size up from my street shoes. The MW7 is no exception. These are a slightly leaner, dare I say, racier fit than their MW5 stablemates, which suited me. I have long, narrow feet, but the MW7 are still roomy enough for those with wider feet and they also entertain thicker, winter weight, waterproof socks very nicely. Obviously, the BOA closures play a big part in achieving the precision fit, and for me are a very welcome refinement. A torrentially wet start to autumn spelt waterproof socks from the off and I’m pleased to report no bunching, gathering and general irritation, regardless of the brand, or ride duration. At the other extreme, I’ve worn them with feathery, summer weight socks and achieved a similarly snug, reliable fit.
Rigidity/Power Transfer 4.25/5
This is where the MW7 trump their lowlier stablemates and indeed a few other winter/mtb booties I’ve used long term. Being much closer to the RX6Shimano in stiffness, power transfer is palpably better, especially when powering along sharp climbs on my fixed, or thundering along dirt roads aboard my gravel build.
Same story off road but while very efficient, there’s been no fatigue, or hot spots that can be experienced with some extremely stiff soled cross country mountain bike shoes after a few hours at 20-25mph. This has been consistent, regardless of whether I’ve been clipped into traditional Spuds, such as the Shimano M540 and XT or those with a platform, such as these PD ED500 .
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Again, like their MW5 stablemates their profile is closer to a shoe’s, improving connection with the bike and a general ease of movement, particularly at the ankles. The heel cup is similarly supportive, and I’ve had no issues after a full day’s mixed terrain meandering. Ursula’s gearing is low enough for most of the bridle paths and trails I tackle, but on the occasions where I’ve needed to dismount and shoulder- say to avoid a fallen tree branch, or where the trail is too boggy, or badly churned, the sole is flexible enough for comfortable and efficient running.
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I believe the shoe-esque profile also helps in this respect. Sans spikes, mud shedding prowess is also reassuringly good. A wet harvest period and a steady procession of farm traffic had left roads and lanes resembling Paris-Roubaix. Even when I’ve dabbed down, into a big clump of clay soil, it’s fallen away very promptly. I’ve not been collecting the kind of gloop that becomes weighty, adding to fatigue and making pedal entry/exit more remote. Same goes for those annoying stones that can lodge stubbornly and thanks to the outer’s compound there’s be no issues with irksome creaking, or squeaking. Just reliable traction and feedback in slippery conditions. Frosty and icy concrete can always be a gamble demand more caution, but I’ve had no issues navigating mossy sections and slimy tree roots.
Weatherproofing/Breathability 3.75/5
Ours arrived during a wet period in late summer, which was great for evaluating their breathability. Sock materials and quality have their influence. However, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how consistently dry and temperate my feet have felt, when temperatures have hit the high teens and early twenties. This really helped when the heavy, warm rains came. In these contexts, water just beaded up and rolled off the tops.
The Gore Tex membrane certainly helps in both regards and even when more sustained, torrential autumn rains hit, I could get away with summer weight socks and still have bone dry feet for an hour, or so. Nothing seems to get past the Velcro cover, so in that regard, yes waterproof. However, a garment is only as waterproof as its weakest spot. Nothing is 100% waterproof in the literal sense.
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Longer outings in these contexts and the neoprene ankle cuff will become progressively wetter (but still warm) and when submerged-waterlogged roads, boggy trails etc., the cleat drillings will allow water inside. Waterproof socks in my experience boost the weatherproofing to a new level and, all things being equal make day long, wintry outings a comfortable, enjoyable affair. When truly sodden, they do take some time to dry. Bargain on 5-8 hours at room temperature, if you’ve packed them with paper, or old towelling. In a pinch, I’ve hurried things along with a hair drier on a medium heat (held 30 cm away). At the other extreme, they retain welcome warmth on the few occasions when the temperature has been creeping close to zero. Arguably, calf length winterweight waterproof socks are the best pairings in these contexts. Factors such as rider circulation will play their part, but I’ve been comfortable wearing winter weight Merino socks for 2-3 hours.
Value 3.5/5
£220 is a lot to part with. However, they’re not the dearest out there. Lake MXZ304 come in at £280. Featuring Pittards Leather uppers, Vibram sole, BOA M4 closure. Lake claims the unique boot shape is designed to trap warm air, and the broader toe box optimises blood flow and circulation. For less extreme conditions, their MX146 might be a better choice, saving you £80 into the bargain. Fizik Terra Nanuq GTX features a waterproof breathable rip stop upper, Gore Tex membrane and Vibram soles. There's also reinforcement at the toe and heel sections, fleece lining and BOA closures but these will set you back £289.99.
Value 3.5/5
£220 is a lot to part with. However, they’re not the dearest out there. Lake MXZ304 come in at £280. Featuring Pittards Leather uppers, Vibram sole, BOA M4 closure. Lake claims the unique boot shape is designed to trap warm air, and the broader toe box optimises blood flow and circulation. For less extreme conditions, their MX146 might be a better choice, saving you £80 into the bargain. Fizik Terra Nanuq GTX features a waterproof breathable rip stop upper, Gore Tex membrane and Vibram soles. There's also reinforcement at the toe and heel sections, fleece lining and BOA closures but these will set you back £289.99.
Summary
Ultimately, I really rate the MW7 and if you’re looking to ride through winter’s wildest, they’ll provide comfy feet and smiles a plenty. By no means, the dearest of this genre, they’re still a sizeable investment. For me, their refinements over the similarly charming MW5 - BOA closure and stiffer soles are tangible improvements in the real world. However, if you’re not fully invested in booties, their MW5 and similarly priced competitors might provide the best bang for your buck.
Verdict: 3.75/5 Refined and very capable booties for trail duties and general winter riding.
Michael Stenning
Madison.co.uk – The UK’s largest cycle parts & accessories distributor
PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 2024
